Rams bring fired South Florida coach to combine

There’s a surprising name among the contingent of coaches, scouts and executives the St. Louis Rams brought to this week’s Scouting Combine: Former South Florida head coach Jim Leavitt.

John Taylor of CFT passes along the word that Leavitt will be in Indianapolis to assist the team that has the first pick in April’s NFL draft. Leavitt has been out of work since South Florida fired him for striking a player.

Greg Auman of the St. Petersburg Timesreports that Leavitt was invited by Tony Softli, the Rams’ vice president for player personnel. Leavitt will be helping the Rams evaluate this year’s draft prospects.

Although there’s no indication that Leavitt will be joining the Rams’ coaching staff, he said he’s been watching film regularly with former Bucs coach and current ESPN analyst Jon Gruden and trying to get a better feel for NFL schemes.

[Editor’s note: It remains to be seen whether Leavitt runs wind sprints before the Combine workouts begin.]